Transform An Old Globe Into A Creative Way To Add Paper Towel Storage To Your Kitchen

Thrift flips can range from mundane pieces to more obscure items that get transformed into practical storage solutions. One such example of the latter is turning a vintage globe into a paper towel holder. DIYers have opted to use globe stands as brackets for holding paper towels, often as a replacement for boring upright countertop holders. Given that you can stop buying paper towel holders with it so easy and affordable to DIY your own, this project could be worth a try. All you'll need is a vintage globe with an arm stand, an inexpensive metal chain, and perhaps some spray paint.

To start, one person detached the globe from its arm stand before spray-painting the stand black. Next, they took a chain off of a metal plant hanger basket– which they purchased at a dollar store — cut the chain to the appropriate length, and began fixing it to the stand. To do so, they slid the looped end of the chain through the stand's top point, secured the chain by wrapping it over the arm, and hung it downward. This DIY enthusiast then wrapped the hook part of the chain under the stand's lower portion, creating a secure and taut line. Finishing the conversion involves sliding the chain through the paper towel roll and reattaching the hook. Since many vintage globes with arm stands can be sourced for well under $50, this is a fairly affordable way to generate design flair.

While it's fun to reuse an old globe for a DIY storage solution, not all globes will work for this project. You'll want to find a globe that has an arm-like stand rather than one with a rounded frame, table-height stand, or all-around spinning mechanism. Additionally, you'll need to find a globe with a thirteen-inch height since the standard upright height of a paper towel roll is around eleven inches.

Once you have the right stand, assembly can be simple. Many folks use a chain or twine to hold rolls, but some prefer a sturdier option like a dowel rod. However, with a dowel rod, you need to consider how it will screw into the globe stand, and how easily you can remove it to replace the paper towel. Whether you're using a chain, twine, or a dowel rod, this globe conversion helps show why there's no need for traditional paper towel holders anymore. In addition to looking unique and visually interesting, DIYers completing this flip have noted that the angle is better for dispensing paper towels than upright holders. Just remember that the large base and curved arm could be too bulky for smaller spaces.